Flexing business muscles

November 29, 2010

The sign on the front of the store reads "Charlie's Gym," but it's actually Alan's gym now.
Alan Robbins, of Maiden, is the new owner of Charlie's Gym in downtown Newton.
Robbins is no stranger to the facility. He started coming to the facility as a client, and now he owns the business.
"I've always liked working out," Robbins said. "When I saw the facility was available, I thought it would be a great opportunity."
Robbins started managing the gym Nov. 22, and he's excited about his new job. Robbins also works at the Target Distribution Center. He decided to take over the gym about a month ago.
For Charlie's Gym's regular customers, not much will change with Robbins at the helm. The gym will continue to offer its membership specials, which allow clients the flexibility of payment plans as they use the facility.
"I hope we'll keep the same customers, and get new ones,too," Robbins said.
The gym charges $30 a month, $16 for two weeks and $10 a week. Customers can also pay by the day for $3 a session.
"It's pretty much anyway you want to pay," Robbins said, adding the savings increase as clients use the facility more often and for longer periods of time.
Charlie's Gym recently ended a special promotion, which allowed clients to sign up for the facility and get 10 weeks of gym membership for $50.
The facility's equipment stayed with the facility from its previous owner. Robbins said he plans to keep the machinery at the gym, for now.
"It's not old, and it's in good shape," Robbins said of the equipment, which includes cardio equipment, free weights and other resistance machines.
The facility is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Although Robbins loves exercising, he never expected to be in the gym business.
"I never would have thought I'd own a gym," he said.
Robbins encouraged people to stop by the facility, located on North College Avenue. He said he expects membership and attendance to increase as the holidays draw closer and New Year's resolutions approach.
"It'll probably pick up at New Year's," Robbins said.
As Robbins grows accustomed to the business, he said he wants to expand the facility and gain a larger client base. A name change is also a likely part of the facility's future, Robbins said.
"I might change the name to Alan's Gym," he said.
For more information about Charlie's Gym and its new owner, visit the facility's Facebook page.